Praying Pelican Missions exists to build up, encourage, and assist the local Church, and that includes doing so in a church’s greatest time of need. When disasters strike, the Church is on the front lines of response and relief efforts, working with local authorities and organizing grassroots efforts to meet the pressing needs of their communities. Praying Pelican Missions is committed to coming alongside these efforts, providing the necessary resources, support, and help to advance the work of our local partners.
Praying Pelican Missions has supported church partners through numerous natural disasters including hurricanes, flooding, and earthquakes. Through the generous donations of our network, we meet the physical needs identified by our partners on the ground. Throughout the recovery process, PPM also provides support through our volunteers that provide countless hours of debris cleanup, rebuilding, roof replacement, food distribution, prayer ministry, and more.
We were immediately welcomed by the staff of Milia Amazon Lodge upon arrival. Our group of missionaries from three different churches bonded in no time and we were eager to serve on our first day.
A River for a Highway
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 5:37 PM
In the region of Iquitos there are no roads. The residents can only get from one place to the next on the water. This is our only means of transportation while we travel from village to village encouraging the pastors we will be serving.
Our Boat Awaits Us
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 5:41 PM
The Amazon is the parking place for the boat we will use this trip.
A Tour of Maniti II
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 5:48 PM
The residents of Manati II warmly welcomed us and were excited to give us a tour of their village. Our goal today was to visit with and pray over Pastor Salustiano who was severely injured two days ago.
Pastor’s Church
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 5:52 PM
Luis explained what the three times a week services would look like and how the church was built.
Hospitality Abounds
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 5:58 PM
The villagers don’t have glasses to serve a beverage to their guests and yet they offered each of us fresh coconut water. The level of hospitality is intoxicating. The deep presence of the Lord is felt wherever we go.
Pastor Salustianon and His Wife Gissenia
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 6:11 PM
They were so grateful for us to visit them. We had an opportunity to pray over them before we left. They came with us though as we traveled back to the lodge for a Regional Meet Up.
Gissenia’s New Kitchen
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 6:14 PM
During our visit at Pastor’s home, Gissenia proudly shared her new kitchen with us.
Gifts For The Women’s Ministry
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 6:19 PM
Andrée presented gifts to Gissenia for the women in their community.
Gissenia’s Farm
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 6:30 PM
She grows corn and charapita plants. The charapita look like small kernels of corn but that’s not what they taste like. They carry a punch. We enjoyed them with eggs one morning. Her offerings are sold in Iquitos along with plantains for their primary income.
Pastor’s Reginal Meetup
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 6:48 PM
Twelve pastors, one minister leader, and two spouses met us at our lodge to meet us and tell us their stories. We heard about their spiritual journey into ministry and how PPM 365 has changed their lives and the lives of their spouses. The medical care, pastoral training, emergency response funds, and respite care provided by their PPM 365 sponsors have invigorated their ability to serve their congregations.
Group Photo
by Kim Oleson | December 4, 2024 6:58 PM
The pastors expressed profound gratitude for our team and respected how long and how far away we traveled to visit and serve in their communities. However, they also traveled for hours just to meet us. One pastor spent 7 hours on a fast boat to meet us. They were hungry for hearing an encouraging word from us. Pastor Denisha shared a moving service for all of us, some to tears.
Warm Welcome in Santa Rosa
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 6:41 AM
The community of Santa Rosa were standing on the shores upon our arrival with the most passionate greeting we’ve ever experienced. We later learned they had been preparing for our visit for weeks.
Santa Risa
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 6:47 AM
We couldn’t help but notice the stark difference between the village yesterday and Santa Rosa. We were curious as to why. After spending a few hours there we understood: Education. The children attend school from kindergarten through high school at the same school. What we witnessed was much like what we might see in a small community in the states.
Front Row Seats.
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 6:51 AM
The community came out in force to celebrate our visit. They had seats prepared in the front row of an area set up for a pageant.
Christmas on the Amazon
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 6:54 AM
The children and youth from the school prepared for a Christmas pageant and a ceremonial dance for us.
Traditional Dance
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 6:57 AM
The dance represents a custom used by some indigenous people and shamans to bring about clarity, healing, and cleansing of the soul.
Santa Rosa School Christmas Pageant
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 7:03 AM
We enjoyed Christmas carols by the students. Many songs were recognized as carols we all knew. A school pageant isn’t complete without the telling of the birth of Christ.
Gifts for a King
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 7:13 AM
The children presented gifts of fruit and vegetables to the new parents and baby Jesus.
The Arrival of the Three Kings
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 7:22 AM
They approached the King and new parents with dignity.
The Angels Were Heard on High
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 7:34 AM
The little ones came together along with the whole entourage to celebrate the birth of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!
Our Most Humbling Experience
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 8:05 AM
Pastor José Diaz from Huanana Village has seven churches that he serves at different villages throughout the jungle. He is a missionary pastor who not only preaches the Word but provides for their daily needs.
A Meal Prepared and Feasted upon in the Village
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 8:08 AM
The meal we ate was a traditional meal that is a staple for their life: rice, potatoes, and fish or red meat.
A Family Gathering
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 8:15 AM
Our group continues to bond over our experiences with the communities we visit.
The Needs here are Profound!
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 8:18 AM
This is a typical outbuilding in the village. The structure to the right is their bathroom.
A Community in Need
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 8:21 AM
A typical home. Simple but comfortable for the grateful and humble residents.
Our last village visit
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 9:19 AM
We had to hike into the jungle for this visit. This village was more modern than we expected. We saw beautiful yellow and black birds with unique nests. The church was made of concrete, which was unusual for the jungle villages.
Worshipping with different villages
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 9:28 AM
The church service in Santa Rosa was moving for many reasons. We were welcomed, gifted, and prayed over. Dr. Andrée preached a powerful message about hope, the power of prayer, and encouragement. She was family here because of her last visit and how generous her church has been in the past.
Joy and celebration with the children
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 9:31 AM
Dr. Denisha and an associate pastor broke the piñata for the children. There was a mad dash to gather up their prizes.
Hasta luego, we will meet again
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 9:33 AM
A wonderful send off with gifts, hugs and handshakes.
Sunset over the Amazon
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 10:52 AM
Breathtaking…..
Back in Lima
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 10:56 AM
After a two hour boat ride, we are back in
Iquitos; missing the Amazon and the jungle already
Fresh food markets
by Kim Oleson | December 6, 2024 11:04 AM
We saw fresh food markets on our way to our hotel where we will stay tonight and then fly back to Lima tomorrow afternoon.
Continue Your Impact
by Praying Pelican Missions | December 7, 2024 11:57 PM
Pastor Michael’s second job!
by Kim Oleson | December 8, 2024 9:40 PM
We rounded out our last day traveling around Iquitos in motor taxis shopping and stopping for lunch along the way.
From our hometown of Minneapolis to the island of Puerto Rico, USA mission trips are diverse in service opportunities, cultural experiences, and community needs.
